child

At the beginning of next school year, I’m going to implement an optional monthly mental health day for each of my children.

A day to recharge, rest, or catch up if they need it.

This will be a day that they can choose, and I will not question. The same theory as when a child calls and needs a ride home because no one is sober, you pick them up, no questions asked.

A mental heath day in my opinion is about safety, just as is the call to pick them up, no questions asked. It’s about promoting safety from stress, anxiety, and possible depression that can come from today’s school expectations.

I understand the other side of the coin is schools not getting their ADA money on a day that I allow my kids to check out for a mental health day. I’m sorry about that. But I’m really not. My kids give it their all, they put up amazing grade point averages. I got straight A’s on one report card in 5th grade. I don’t know where these three kids of mine came from, but they have a drive to succeed in school, and the numbers to back up allowing them to take one day a month if they need it.

I’ve read many articles recently about the anxiety and stress that school and homework can cause. To be very clear, I fully support my kids teachers. They have been amazing components in my children’s growth. In no way are my feelings of frustration over the stress that school can induce directed at them. I personally feel that the standards that are expected, and the workloads that come home are unrealistic and squeeze out many opportunities to live life outside of school.

So, in order to promote peace of mind in my children, I will give them a day in their back pocket to use if they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or just plain exhausted.

If one day can help to create a calm effect and a sense of support, I’m all in.